Mini has announced that two of its vehicles made in China, the Mini Cooper Electric two-door and the Mini Aceman, will not arrive in the U.S. market as initially planned. Although no official reason has been given, it seems likely that the high tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles play a significant role in this decision.
Currently, there is a 100% tariff on China-produced EVs for the U.S., which severely impacts Mini's plans. This steep tariff is a major factor in the decision to put the Cooper Electric and Aceman on hold for the foreseeable future.
Both vehicles were introduced over a year ago with much anticipation for a U.S. launch. However, their production in China subjects them to heavy tariffs. A similar situation exists with the China-built Volvo EX30, whose production will shift to Belgium in 2025 to sidestep such issues. A change in production location for Mini's models might allow for future availability in the U.S.
In contrast, the Mini Countryman SE, which is also electric but manufactured in Germany, will arrive as scheduled. Produced at BMW's Leipzig plant, it avoids the tariffs that delay the other two models. The larger Countryman SE could appeal to U.S. consumers, but the indefinite delay of the smaller Cooper SE and Aceman remains disappointing.
While Mini's German-made Countryman SE is set to launch without delay, the tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles pose significant barriers, postponing the U.S. debut of the Cooper Electric and Aceman indefinitely. Relocating production could potentially make these models accessible in the future.
Summary: The combination of production location and tariffs has halted U.S. plans for the Mini Cooper Electric and Aceman. Meanwhile, the Mini Countryman SE faces no such obstacles due to its production in Germany. Making strategic decisions to mitigate tariffs will be critical for introducing Mini’s delayed models to the market.
